The Basics

Electricity: Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Three-pin flat blade plugs are used but are different to those in most other countries, so an adapter is normally required.

Language: English is the official language of Australia.

Travel Health: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required by travellers
over one year of age arriving within six days of having stayed
overnight or longer in an infected country. No other special
immunizations or medications are required for most trips to
Australia; however, insect repellents are strongly advised because
of the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. Another health risk is
sunburn, and visitors are advised to take precautions. Medical
services are excellent, but can be expensive so travellers should
ensure that they have adequate insurance. Australia has a
reciprocal health agreement with the United Kingdom providing for
free hospital emergency medical treatment; proof of UK residence is
required.

Tipping: There are no mandatory gratuities or restaurant service charges
in Australia, and tips are not generally expected, although it is
becoming more common in expensive restaurants in the bigger cities
to leave some money for good service. Australians are ultimately
divided over tipping and there are no reliable rules to apply.

Safety Information: The crime rate in Australia is low; however, travellers should
be aware that tourists could be targeted by petty criminals. Be
vigilant about personal possessions and travel documents,
particularly in popular tourist destinations such as along the Gold
Coast. Tropical cyclones normally occur between November and April
in some parts of Australia, particularly in Western Australia,
Queensland and the Northern Territory. There is a serious risk of
bush fires in summer (November to March), especially in Victoria,
Tasmania, New South Wales and ACT. Also during the summer months,
the shallow coastal waters of northern Australia and Queensland
become infested with marine stingers, commonly known as box
jellyfish, whose sting is highly dangerous and can be deadly.
Visitors should pay attention to signs on beaches and follow the
instructions of local lifeguards to avoid injury.

Local Customs: Generally an informal attitude, in dress and behaviour, prevails
in most social and business situations. Sport, particularly rugby
and cricket, is almost a religion in Australia.

Business: Those doing business in Australia are sure to find that the
friendly yet professional corporate atmosphere of the country will
provide them with an exciting opportunity to develop their careers.
The business culture of Australia is a bit of a hybrid breed,
incorporating the trappings of British formality and conservatism,
the egalitarian ethos of Scandinavian countries, and the dynamic,
innovative approach to business that is generally thought of as
American in origin - rounded out, of course, with typical
Australian warmth and humour. The approach to management in
Australia is consultative, pragmatic, and strictly
non-hierarchical. Those in positions of relative power are accorded
respect by virtue of their personal qualities, not simply
because they happen to be the boss.
Business etiquette in Australia further reflects this
egalitarian ethos. Use titles initially, though you will almost
certainly be told to dispense with them - at which point, you
should refer to your colleagues by their first names. Maintain eye
contact when speaking to your associates, as this is regarded as a
sign of forthrightness and trustworthiness - qualities which
Australian businesspeople tend to favour over showiness,
self-aggrandisement or empty promises. Business meetings in
Australia should be scheduled about a week in advance, and then
confirmed a few days before they are due to take place.
Be punctual, as lateness can be seen as a symptom of flakiness
or indifference. Business meetings in Australia do not generally
proceed from a set agenda. Rather, they are viewed as open forums,
in which ideas are to be debated and discussed. In fact,
over-preparing for a meeting can make you seem pushy - as though
you wish to bully others into adopting your opinions on the issue
at hand. The dress code for business in Australia remains
surprisingly traditional: dark suits and ties are the norm for men;
for women, business suits, worn either with pants or a skirt. As a
general rule, avoid loud jewellery and accessories as to Australian
eyes they might make you seem arrogant. The official language of
business in Australia is English, and business hours are generally
from 8.30am (or 9am) to 5pm (or 5.30pm), Monday to Friday.

Communications: The international dialling code for Australia is +61. Hotels,
cafes and restaurants offering free wifi are widely available. As
international roaming costs can be quite high, purchasing a local
prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.

Duty Free: Travellers to Australia over 18 years do not have to pay customs
duty on 2.25 litres of alcohol; and 50 cigarettes or 25g of cigars
or tobacco products (note that all tobacco products in your baggage
are included in this category, regardless of where they were
purchased). Gifts are included in the A$900 duty-free allowance.
Fresh produce and animal/plant products are prohibited.